6 Easy Trifle Recipes

Trifles are the ultimate easy, crowd-pleasing dessert. These layered treats come together quickly with simple ingredients, yet look and taste impressive. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just craving something sweet, these 6 trifle recipes are sure to delight. From classic flavors like lemon and strawberry to fun twists like Nutter Butter and chocolate, there’s a trifle for every occasion.

Follow me on HaileeRecipes on Pinterest to save these recipes and discover more easy, delicious ideas.

1. Lemon Trifle

Bright, creamy and sweet, this lemon trifle is a delightful treat any time of year. Layers of moist lemon cake, tangy lemon curd, and pillowy whipped cream make this dessert practically melt in your mouth. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet – a real crowd-pleaser!

Why You Will Love It

Quick and easy to assemble with just a few simple ingredients
Light, refreshing flavor that’s not too rich or heavy
Can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) box lemon cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1 (3.4 oz) box instant lemon pudding mix
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1 (10 oz) jar lemon curd
Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)

How To Make It

Prepare the lemon cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely, then cut or crumble into 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and lemon pudding mix until smooth and thickened.
In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the lemon cake cubes. Top with half of the lemon pudding mixture, then half of the whipped topping and lemon curd.
Repeat the layers, ending with the whipped topping.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with lemon zest just before serving, if desired.

Variations And Substitutions

For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free whipped topping and lemon curd. You can also swap the lemon cake for a plain white or yellow cake. If you don’t have a trifle dish, you can layer the ingredients in a 9×13 baking dish instead.

Tips

This trifle is best made at least 2 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator. Garnish with fresh lemon zest just before serving for a bright, pretty presentation.

2. Christmas Trifle

This festive Christmas trifle is the perfect holiday dessert. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy eggnog custard, and sweet whipped cream are finished with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies. It’s a showstopping treat that’s sure to impress at any Christmas party or family gathering.

Why You Will Love It

Combines classic holiday flavors in a fun, layered presentation
Can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining
Looks impressive but comes together quickly with simple ingredients

Ingredients

1 (18.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups eggnog
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies

How To Make It

Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely, then cut or crumble into 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and eggnog until smooth and thickened.
In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the chocolate cake cubes. Top with half of the eggnog custard, then half of the whipped topping.
Repeat the layers, ending with the whipped topping.
Sprinkle the crushed peppermint candies over the top.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Variations And Substitutions

For a non-alcoholic version, you can use 2 cups of milk instead of eggnog. You can also swap the chocolate cake for a spice cake or gingerbread cake for a different flavor profile. Top with crushed candy canes or holiday sprinkles instead of peppermint candies.

Tips

This trifle is best made at least 2 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator. Garnish with extra crushed peppermint just before serving for a festive touch.

3. Heaven in a Bowl Trifle

This “heaven in a bowl” trifle is a decadent, creamy dream. Layers of moist white cake, rich vanilla pudding, and clouds of whipped cream come together in a heavenly dessert that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Top it off with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a tropical twist.

Why You Will Love It

Creamy, dreamy texture that melts in your mouth
Simple, crowd-pleasing flavors that everyone will enjoy
Can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) box white cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup toasted coconut, for garnish

How To Make It

Prepare the white cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely, then cut or crumble into 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened.
In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the white cake cubes. Top with half of the vanilla pudding, then half of the whipped topping.
Repeat the layers, ending with the whipped topping.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with the toasted coconut just before serving.

Variations And Substitutions

For a tropical twist, use coconut milk instead of regular milk in the pudding. You can also add a layer of diced pineapple or mango between the cake and pudding layers. Swap the toasted coconut for chopped macadamia nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips

This trifle is best made at least 2 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator. Toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown.

4. Chocolate Trifle

This decadent chocolate trifle is the ultimate indulgence. Layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, and pillowy whipped cream come together in a dessert that’s sure to satisfy any chocolate craving. Topped with shaved chocolate, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream.

Why You Will Love It

Intensely chocolatey flavor that’s not too sweet
Luscious, creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining

Ingredients

1 (18.25 oz) box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients to make the cake
1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Shaved chocolate, for garnish

How To Make It

Prepare the chocolate cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely, then cut or crumble into 1-inch cubes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened.
In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the chocolate cake cubes. Top with half of the chocolate pudding, then half of the whipped topping.
Repeat the layers, ending with the whipped topping.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Top with shaved chocolate just before serving.

Variations And Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cake and dark chocolate pudding. You can also add a layer of chopped toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for a crunchy contrast. Drizzle with chocolate sauce or top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra chocolatey touch.

Tips

This trifle is best made at least 2 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator. Use a vegetable peeler to shave the chocolate for a pretty garnish.

5. Nutter Butter Trifle

This Nutter Butter trifle is a peanut butter lover’s dream! Layers of crushed Nutter Butter cookies, creamy peanut butter pudding, and whipped cream come together in a decadent, no-bake dessert. It’s a fun twist on a classic trifle that’s sure to be a hit.

Why You Will Love It

Easy to make with just a few simple ingredients
Satisfying peanut butter flavor that’s not too rich
No-bake recipe that’s perfect for hot summer days

Ingredients

1 (14 oz) package Nutter Butter cookies, crushed
1 (3.4 oz) box instant peanut butter pudding mix
2 cups milk
1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Chopped peanuts, for garnish (optional)

How To Make It

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened.
In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the crushed Nutter Butter cookies. Top with half of the peanut butter pudding, then half of the whipped topping.
Repeat the layers, ending with the whipped topping.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with chopped peanuts just before serving, if desired.

Variations And Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use creamy peanut butter instead of the pudding mix. You can also add a layer of chopped Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or drizzle with chocolate sauce. For a nut-free version, use crushed Biscoff cookies instead of Nutter Butters.

Tips

This trifle is best made at least 2 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld. It can also be made up to 3 days ahead of time and stored covered in the refrigerator. Crush the Nutter Butter cookies using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling with a rolling pin.

6. Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

This strawberry cheesecake trifle is a delightful twist on the classic dessert. Layers of buttery graham cracker crumbs, sweet strawberry compote, and rich cheesecake filling come together in an easy, no-bake treat. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of strawberry cheesecake in a fun, portable presentation.